An ACT New Zealand
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1:29 pm, September 8th, 2023 - 38 comments
Categories: act, broadcasting, david seymour, energy, housing, law, law and "order", police, uncategorized -
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What would a set of ACT ministers in Cabinet look like?
ACT at 15% of the vote, with about 15 MPs, and wild policies, makes for a set of strong reasons to get out and vote against ACT and National this election.
Making an assumption only ACT and National are required to form a government in October, this is what ACT taking Ministerial positions could look like for New Zealand.
At 15% of the vote there’s a reasonable case for David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister. Every time the Prime Minister is overseas, David Seymour is going to be running Cabinet and running the country. Think about that.
But for now let’s assume he reaches for a star and falls on a cloud.
Let’s assume some of the existing Cabinet Ministerial position groupings remain.
Let’s also assume for this exercise that a Prime Minister Luxon gives some credence to qualifications and experience for ministers. So here we go:
1. David Seymour: Minister of Regulatory Reform, Workplace Relations, Minister of State Services
This is the set of positions Seymour will need to really cut through the public service and to disestablish the agencies he wants gone. He will count it a success when the ‘population-based’ entities like Ethnic Affairs, Women’s Affairs, Pacific Affairs, Maori Development, Maori Language Commission, anything specific to protecting a sector of the population such as Disabilities or the Human Rights Commission is eradicated. A further target will be the Treaty of Waitangi itself and whether he gets his referendum on a new statutory meaning about the effects of the Treaty via Jeremy Bentham.
I would expect he will have a strong hand in appointing the new State Services Commissioner or indeed whether State Services survives at all.
I would expect a hard line target in the 2024 Budget for decreased public servant head count.
It is also the position to gut the many worker protections that Labour have built in over 6 years. A real question will be whether things like Matariki survive, or paid parental leave extensions, or sick leave and meal breaks, or maximum hours her day worked, or other multiple basic rights are kept.
2. Brooke van Velden: Leader of the House, Minister of Housing
Brooke has no Housing background, but plenty of chops in the machinery of Parliament both as lobbyist and as legislator. She is due to take on a serious portfolio. If Brooke got Housing we should expect to see a rapid gutting of Kainga Ora staff and organisation, stopping any remaining masterplanned developments to replace it with pure market delivery, a rapid selloff of current state housing, and gutting the Building Act and the Building and Natural Resources Act to be replaced with much more limited contractual forms of property management.
We don’t have to guess what this will do for vulnerable families, vulnerable elderly couples, and vulnerable young people trying to find a safe place to live.
As Leader of the House she becomes the bulldog that pushes ACT’s aggressive legislative agenda.
3. Todd Stephenson. Minister of Energy and Resources, Associate Finance
Todd is the truest expression of high corporate values, now inserted into Queenstown which is now New Zealand’s primary Top 500 gateway for your billionaire class. Strait outa Lumsden, this is the guy you turn to if you want your deals done in government and you want to get rich without dying.
If he gets hold of a section of MBIE such as Energy, expect to see oil rigs and wind farms on our 12 mile limit, fewer constraints to land wind farms, an Infrastructure Commission populated by infrastructure mezzanine finance people that will make it near indistinct from Infratil, and a new focus on intellectual property protection. We have been accustomed over 25 years to having some democratic say in where things go.
We should stop expecting that under ACT energy policy.
4. Simon Court, Attorney General
This is the guy who will push the legislation to gut anything to do with standards such as building standards, water standards, air standards, anything to do with the old RMA. Hand in glove with Andrew Hoggard he will be ripping through environmental constraints we have. Three Waters governance instruments will be revisited, so presumably that means revisiting the other co-governance instruments like all our national parks, Maori MP seats, and Maori local council seats.
The effects of this kind of guy in housing would be similar to Maurice Williamson in leaky housing and Winston Peters in Maori and ethnic relations.
5. Parmeet Parmjar, Minister of Broadcasting, Minister of Research and Science, Minister for Crown Research Entities
With a PHD in biological sciences and food manufacturing, and also some background in a variety of smaller state regulatory functions like Families Commissioner, she has a range of governance and operational experience that will give her free rein to insert ACT sensibility into TVNZ and RNZ, as well as into the research entities and their spinoffs.
6. Andrew Hoggard: Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Land Information, and Export Growth
Hoggard is heavyweight local and international dairy industry leadership, both as Vice President and President of Federated Farmers and elected to the Board of the International Dairy Federation since 2020.
So with a Minister Hoggard we can expect every single one of the Howl of a Protest demands to be met including rolling back protection of remaining wetlands, reintroduction of live animal exports, killing off constraints about fecal coliforms and phosphates into streams, unfettered water take for dairy, removing price setting governance controls over Fonterra, and heading straight back into the New Zealand pattern of volume of milk solids produced rather than value and lower mass.
A Minister Hoggard will target repealing the Natural and Built Environment Act that was passed last month and replaced most of the RMA.
7. Nicole McKee: Minister of Police
A Minister of Police cannot direct the Commissioner of Police and the current Commissioner is not likely to be replaced for some time. The policy contest is in whether McKee as Minister would be faced with the day to day operational threat to Police and to citizens of the firearms New Zealand gangs are using in our towns and cities right now.
A Minister McKee will carry out ACT policy of repealing Labour’s gun laws.
She will also have a lot to do with implementing ACT’s many and exceedingly punitive law and order policies.
New Zealand has only to go back to the Shipley and Ruth Richardson to remember what scale of violence a true ideologically-driven set of ministers can do. It takes decades to repair, and it’s never ever a restoration.
ACT is the strong form of a Shipley-Richardson combination. That’s what to vote against in October.
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Today New Zealand First will introduce a Member’s Bill that will protect women’s spaces. The ‘Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill’ will require, primarily in the interest and safety of women and girls, that all new non-domestic publicly accessible buildings provide separate, clearly demarcated, unisex and single sex bathrooms. This Bill ...1 week ago - Release: Support for climate adaptation inquiryLabour supports a Notice of Motion in the House today to move the Finance and Expenditure Committee to conduct an inquiry on climate adaptation. ...1 week ago
- Greens welcome cross-party approach to climate adaptationThe Green Party is welcoming Climate Change Minister Simon Watts’ continuation of Hon. James Shaw’s cross-party work on climate adaptation, now in the form of a Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry. ...1 week ago
- Release: Sexual violence prevention among hundreds of job cuts at ACCThe National Government plans to cut 390 jobs at ACC, including roles in the areas of prevention of sexual violence, road safety and workplace safety. ...1 week ago
- Government shows allergy to evidence in benefits crackdownThe Government has been caught in opposition to evidence once again as it looks to usher in tried, tested and failed work seminar obligations for job-seeking beneficiaries. ...1 week ago
- Minister of Finance reheats austerity politicsThis morning’s pre-Budget speech from the Minister of Finance offered no “meaningful” news on the Government’s trickle-down economics based plans. ...1 week ago
- A win for Wellington – Greens welcome more housingThe Green Party is welcoming the announcement by the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop to approve most of the Wellington City Council’s District Plan recommendations. ...1 week ago
- Release: Backtrack on school lunches a win for Kiwi kidsDavid Seymour has failed to get the sweeping cuts he wanted to the free and healthy school lunch programme, Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Hon Willie Jackson to debate at the Prestigious Oxford UnionHon Willie Jackson has been invited by the Oxford Union to debate the motion “This House Believes British Museums are not Very British’ on May 23rd. ...1 week ago
- Members Bill will prevent Māori land confiscationsGreen Party MP Hūhana Lyndon says her Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill is an opportunity to right some past wrongs around the alienation of Māori land. ...1 week ago
- TIKANGA IS NOT LAW. IT IS CULTURAL INDOCTRINATION.A senior, highly respected King’s Counsel with decades of experience in our law courts, Gary Judd KC, has filed a complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students - highlighting the utter depths of absurdity this woke cultural madness has taken our society. The tikanga regulations will compel law ...1 week ago
- Release: National won’t commit to full Nelson Hospital upgradeThe Government needs to be clear with the people of the Nelson Marlborough region about the changes it is considering for the Nelson Hospital rebuild, Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour calls for fast track list to be releasedMinisters must front up about which projects it will push through under its Fast Track Approvals legislation, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National gaslights women fighting for equal payNational has scrapped the pay equity taskforce that fights for equal pay for women and looks at ethnic pay gaps. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More job cuts, fewer houses under NationalThe Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Children fall deeper through the cracks in Govt cutsWith Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour honours memory of Sir Robert MartinThe Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: 130,000 cattle saved from live exportLabour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...2 weeks ago
- Central Bank makes clear Government is pouring fuel on housing crisis fireToday’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...2 weeks ago
- New unemployment figures paint bleak pictureThe Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National’s job cuts already starting to bite as unemployment risesUnemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National hiking transport costs for families and young New ZealandersWeekly expenses will grow for more than 1.6 million New Zealanders as the Government ends free and half price public transport fares tomorrow. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes EU free trade agreementThe New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...2 weeks ago
- Surprise: Landlord tax cuts don’t trickle downThe Green Party is renewing its call for rent controls following reports of rental prices hitting an all-time high. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: $1.7b for no increase in access to medicineThe National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National should heed Tribunal warning and scrap coalition commitment with ACTThis afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: More accountability for preventable workplace deaths this Workers’ Memorial DayLabour is calling for more accountability for preventable workplace deaths because everybody who goes to work deserves to come home safely. ...3 weeks ago
- District Court Judges appointed
Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...2 hours ago - Unions should put learning ahead of ideologyAssociate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools. “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...3 hours ago
- Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMACommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...3 hours ago
- Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguardSurf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...5 hours ago
- New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationshipNew Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says. “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019. “It is my pleasure ...21 hours ago
- New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New CaledoniaNew Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says. “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...22 hours ago
- New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of StatePrime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...23 hours ago
- Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card fundingTransport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...1 day ago
- Further sanctions against RussiaForeign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...1 day ago
- One year on from Loafers LodgeA year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...1 day ago
- Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business ChamberKa nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...2 days ago
- New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaborationNew Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says. “This ...2 days ago
- Penk travels to Peru for trade meetingsMinister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...2 days ago
- Minister attends global education conferencesMinister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...2 days ago
- Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA ChairMinister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...2 days ago
- Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call FoundationNew Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...3 days ago
- Panel announced for review into disability servicesDistinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...3 days ago
- Minister welcomes Police gang unitToday’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...3 days ago
- New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoricForeign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners. “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...3 days ago
- New Chief of Defence Force appointedAir Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...3 days ago
- Government puts children first by repealing 7AALegislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...3 days ago
- Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, ItalyDefence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...3 days ago
- Charter schools to lift educational outcomesThe upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...3 days ago
- COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received“The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...4 days ago
- The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlookForeign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...4 days ago
- NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely togetherHealth, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...4 days ago
- Driving ahead with Roads of Regional SignificanceThe coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...4 days ago
- New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands governmentA high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office. “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...5 days ago
- New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolutionNew Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...6 days ago
- Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...7 days ago
- $571 million for Defence pay and projectsDefence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...1 week ago
- Climate change – mitigating the risks and costsNew Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...1 week ago
- Getting new job seekers on the pathway to workJobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...1 week ago
- Accelerating Social InvestmentA new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says. “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...1 week ago
- Getting Back on TrackCheck against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with your Board and team, for hosting me. I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...1 week ago
- NZ – European Union ties more critical than everYour Excellency Ambassador Meredith, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States, Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen - In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations. ...1 week ago
- Therapeutic Products Act to be repealedThe Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...1 week ago
- Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District PlanThe Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...1 week ago
- Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violenceRape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston. “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...1 week ago
- Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs lessAssociate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...1 week ago
- 'I can do much better': Green MP Julie Anne Genter promises to improve conduct
"In future I should walk away," Green MP Julie Anne Genter says after complaints over an exchange in Parliament and from two members of the public. ...1 hour ago - Call to protect asylum seekers who may arrive in New Zealand by boatA group of more than 40 refugees, charities and advocates want better protections for asylum seekers arriving by boat. ...1 hour ago
- Homo Pentecostus: on queer intimacies, religion, ancestry and the human need for connection
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Graffam, PhD Candidate in Theatre, Monash University Gianna Rizzo/Malthouse Music pumps; lights pulsate; two sweaty bodies sway together, touching, breathing in each other’s scent. A male body framed by downlight restlessly shifts between stances and gestures. He undresses. The intensity ...2 hours ago - Want to be buried on your own land, at sea or in a forest? A guide to unconventional send-offsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sandra van der Laan, Professor of Accounting, University of Sydney Mtaya/Shutterstock At some point, you or someone else will need to make a decision about your “send-off”. Most Australians die in an institution, such as a hospital or aged care facility. ...2 hours ago
- Vanuatu, MSG chief reaffirms support for FLNKS, blames France over unrestAsia Pacific Report Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai — who is also Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group — has reaffirmed MSG’s support of the pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) stance opposing the French government’s constitutional bill “unfreezing” the New Caledonia Electoral Roll. It is ...2 hours ago
- Blazing a trail: the Leonard family legacy in Māori television
Producer Susan Leonard remembers her father Ernie, a pioneer of Māori television, and how his legacy lives on in Pathfinders. My father was a fabulous man. His name was Ernie Leonard and he started in TV in the 1970s when it was still glamorous – when TVNZ made behind the ...2 hours ago - Home detention for New Caledonia’s unrest ringleaders, Tiktok bannedBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk, and Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist The suspected ringleaders of the unrest in New Caledonia have been placed in home detention and the social network TikTok has been banned as French security forces struggle to restore law and order. The French ...3 hours ago
- Review finds big increase in multi-year government spends, use not always justifiedMulti-year appropriations - which give the government authority to spend money without reapplying annually - are loosening Parliament's control of the public purse, auditor-general says. ...3 hours ago
- $63.6m for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...4 hours ago
- Dr. Eric Chuah Standing For Mayor Of Tauranga
Dr. Eric Chuah who stood for a centrist NZ political party in the October 2023 NZ Elections for Maungakiekie Auckland will stand as a candidate for Tauranga City Council Ward of Matua-=Otumoetai and Mayor of Tauranga. ...4 hours ago - How to enjoy a comedy festival in your own loungeIf you can’t get to the comedy fest, let us bring the comedy fest to you. This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is in full swing at the moment, with a veritable smorgasboard of comedy treats ...4 hours ago
- Poll Shows Three Quarters Of Wellingtonians Oppose Airport SaleA new poll commissioned by Unions Wellington shows an overwhelming majority of Wellingtonians oppose the Council’s plan to sell the 34% public stake in Wellington Airport. ...4 hours ago
- $63.6m boost for Surf Life Saving and Coastguard in Budget 2024"New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll," Transport Minister Simeon Brown said at the announcement. ...4 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...5 hours ago
- At the heart of the budget is the sad truth the economy is weak. That’s one reason inflation will ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aruna Sathanapally, Chief Executive, Grattan Institute, Grattan Institute A central focus of this week’s budget is the treasury’s forecast for inflation. By this time next year, inflation is projected to be back within the Reserve Bank’s 2-3% target range. Inflation has ...5 hours ago
- Denser housing can be greener too – here’s how NZ can build better for biodiversitySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yolanda van Heezik, Professor of Ecology, University of Otago Getty Images Cities across Aotearoa New Zealand are trying to solve a housing crisis, with increasing residential density a key solution. But not everyone is happy about the resulting loss of natural ...5 hours ago
- Clean energy slump – why Australia’s renewables revolution is behind schedule, and how to fix itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alison Reeve, Deputy Program Director, Energy and Climate Change, Grattan Institute WDG Photo/Shutterstock For years, the electricity sector has been the poster child for emissions cuts in Australia. The sector achieved a stunning 26% drop in emissions over the past 15 ...5 hours ago
- It’s OK to ask a loved one if they’re feeling suicidalIt’s often the last thing people want to do, but asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts is a critical first step to helping them. Content warning: this story discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For a list of resources that can help if you or someone you know is feeling ...5 hours ago
- Watch live: Transport Minister makes pre-Budget announcementSimeon Brown and Matt Doocey are set to reveal another bit of next week's budget. ...5 hours ago
- We mapped a lost branch of the Nile River – which may be the key to a longstanding mystery of the ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy J. Ralph, Associate Professor, Macquarie University The pyramids at Giza, like dozens of others, are located several kilometres west of the current path of the Nile. Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock The largest field of pyramids in Egypt – consisting of 31 ...5 hours ago
- If I’m diagnosed with one cancer, am I likely to get another?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Diepstraten, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute ABO PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life-changing and can cause a range of concerns about ongoing health. Fear of cancer returning is one ...6 hours ago
- All options being considered to help New Zealanders in New Caledonia – Winston PetersGovernment looking at all options for helping New Zealanders who want to leave New Caledonia as death toll rises. ...7 hours ago
- Rebuke issued in stoush over volume of on-bus announcements for blind passengersAnd how a union boss ruined a regional councillor's morning. ...7 hours ago
- Nearly 1300 Kāinga Ora homes on hold amid government reviewNewly released documents show building has been paused on 690 KiwiBuild homes and 593 market homes. ...7 hours ago
- What’s happening in New Caledonia and Vanuatu, and why it matters to NZWinston Peters has been on tour around the Pacific while two unrelated crises unfolded, explains Stewart Sowman-Lund in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Two separate ...7 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver only marginal benefits, Cabinet papers showCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...7 hours ago
- Charter schools might increase government costs, deliver marginal benefits – Cabinet papersCharter schools will likely get higher per-student funding than most state schools, and evidence of their efficacy is mixed. ...7 hours ago
- Fake bacon, ranked from worst to bestThis is the Mount Everest of artificial meatcraft. Ah, bacon. Pig’s gold. Toast’s consolation. Dawn’s savoury embrace. If meat was a currency, bacon would be the Benjamin Franklin. Or if you’re feeling patriotic, the Lord Rutherford. When it comes to fake bacon, the obvious question is: why bother? In the ...9 hours ago
- Milking it: The man behind New Zealand’s weirdest legal casesFrom illegal milk to sprinkler bans and airplane ticket scams, Tyrone Barugh is on a one-man mission through New Zealand’s most obscure legal loopholes. I’m deep undercover, investigating Wellington’s criminal underworld. Inside this store, I’ve been told there is a million-dollar trade in illicit substances. A man dressed in black ...9 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – May 17
NONFICTION 1 The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin, $37.99) A free copy of this amazing story of a woman who operated behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France was up for grabs this past fortnight. Readers were asked to share a story of wartime bravery, ...9 hours ago - Commerce Commission slaps wrists over possible bandwidth collusionSpectrum rights are highly contested – the Commerce Commission has had to deal with two bandwidth cases this year The post Commerce Commission slaps wrists over possible bandwidth collusion appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Crime and (perceptions of) conflictIt’s been a recess week at Parliament, which might indicate slim pickings for conversation topics for the Raw Politics team. But things are never dull in politics, especially with a new Government keen to follow through on its law and order promises, and a NZ First minister who wants to ...9 hours ago
- Desperately seeking political maturity on electricity supplyOpinion: Party politics are no substitute for moving toward an electricity resilience policy that will survive elections The post Desperately seeking political maturity on electricity supply appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 17 MayThe post Daily crossword, Friday 17 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Dear minister, military families need your helpDear Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Defence, and Hon Christopher Penk, Associate Minister of Defence I have written to you, to attempt to give you an insight into the incredible hardship of being an NZDF family. Whilst I cannot speak on behalf of serving personnel, I can speak from my ...9 hours ago
- Wayne Brown, a man with a planAnalysis: What a difference a year makes. In mid 2023, Wayne Brown the Auckland Mayor was a politician diminished by a calamitous response to the region’s Anniversary Weekend storm emergency and later forced against his preference into a half sale only of the city’s airport shares. His demeanour among his ...9 hours ago
- Ohakea base upgrades delayed amid defence estate concernsWork to replace ‘not fit-for-purpose’ living quarters at one critical air base faces further delays The post Ohakea base upgrades delayed amid defence estate concerns appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with GovtThe move comes after the government departments began to prioritise their English names and the finance minister questioned agencies funding te reo lessons for staff The post Iwi pledges to use only te reo Māori to communicate with Govt appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 17 MayLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 17 May appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
- A bold call from experts on drug legalisationNew Zealand’s drug legislation hasn’t been overhauled in nearly 50 years, in spite of a recommendation from the Law Commission in 2011 to do so. Our Misuse of Drugs Act was passed in 1975 and is based on a United Nations framework set in 1961. Now a new organisation, Harm ...9 hours ago
- Open letter challenges Zionist advert missing Gaza ‘injustices’ in HeraldAsia Pacific Report An open letter to The New Zealand Herald has challenged a full page Zionist advertisement this week for failing to acknowledge the “terrible injustices” suffered by the Palestinian people in Israel’s seven-month genocidal war on Gaza. In the latest of several international reports that have condemned genocide ...12 hours ago
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There could well be a lot of buyer's remorse next year if National-ACT win the election.
If the misfortune they form the next government comes to pass then perhaps the only way they'd get re elected in 2026 is if they convince enough voters that inflation easing to pre pandemic levels, assuming that occurs, is as result of National-ACT management rather than something than would happen in spite of their governance.
Mitchell is sure to be Police Minister.
Not sure which of ACT'S 2,3,or 4 will head a new ministry=The Minister of Dumb Ideas!
"Mitchell is sure to be Police Minister."
God help us! An ex-mercenary with a brain the size of a pea. He'll have the police armed to the hilt roaming the streets looking for anyone who merely looks like they might be a crim. and have them locked up in cages waiting to be processed. Look out you brown and black skinned people because you will be top of the list. You will be guilty until you prove your innocence, and not always then.
A slight exaggeration to serve as a warning.
MAGAism NZ style seems well represented by Act, Matt King’s Democracy NZ and Bishop Tamaki’s shifting array of fruitcakes.
It will be a bad business indeed for the bottom 50% of the population, and a fair few middle class people too if Act gets the opportunity to do what Advantage predicts and gives these voters a good walloping in regards to minimum wage, PPL, union rights, public transport and prescription charges–for starters!
Some people–what the…want their guns back too. Of course in practical terms confiscated and compensated for fire arms are unlikely to literally reappear. But this will be a major culture war fight starter, and a gun lobbyist as Police Minister?…
It will be a very interesting election for us dedicated politics followers–but also the start of at least three years of serious fear and loathing between fellow NZers. Will turn out plummet or the alienated revenge vote? Will Act win Tamaki or Matt King Northland? How many more Act candidates will disappear? Have the Natzos got anymore scandals lurking?
Seymour would definitely want nothing less than Deputy PM and probably also Finance and/or Treasury. His first budget might earn the nickname The Seymour Holes budget.
How about Minister of Climate Change Denial and Minister for Corporate Takeovers?
I'm sure there would be suitable candidates amongst ACT MPs
Hells Bells.
If your prophecies come to pass – to any degree – lasting damage will be done to this country, and most of its population.
I'd like to vote for a socialist party. Effectively that means TPM: Labour remind me of the UK slogan: a tory wearing a red tie is still a tory. But Labour/Greens/TPM have very little chance of forming a government. Perhaps it's time to vote strategically.
That means for NZ First.
So that Winston can do his usual bugger all, and be a handbrake.
Winston seems proud of having been a handbrake at other times, and we very much need a handbrake on ACT.
Feels totally alien to my instincts, but maybe a handbrake is better than a disaster
Don't. It's unlikely to have the effect you describe – because if you are a current left voter, changing to NZ First does not make any contribution to keeping NACT below 50%. And NACT being below 50% is a precondition for NZF being a handbrake.
There is only one narrow scenario where it might help: when NACT are below 50% but the NZF first vote being 'wasted' (i.e. under 5% and therefore discarded) sees NACT squeak above 50%.
Therefore as a left voter (presumably), voting NZF is a dumb strategy if either: NACT look like being comfortably above 50%, or NZF look like being comfortably above 5%.
Dont give it up ! Keep fighting !
If enough do that the current labour party will be decimated and it quite possibly leads to nine years of opposition and a bunch of them wrought by infighting similar to the Shearer Cunliffe years.
No one on the left should vote NZF.
They will support a National led government.
Some in the centre might … to block a destructive NACT right wing regime.
This is not the NZ First of 2017. This is Winston running as a full conspiracy theorist.
National being held hostage by both Seymour and Winston would be an utterly terrifying sight.
The truly terrifying is what they would want…and get.
We have to prevent them ever getting there.
btw for what it is worth, I heard Seymour say he will keep Matariki
He will keep Matariki, but Seymour will be wanting us to work on it for ordinary time only, and all the other public holidays too.
Hi Ad, I fear the climate created to extend working years to 70, removal of the Govt money top up to Kiwi saver, removal of worker protections, bringing in the 90 day trials again, and the contracts act, beginning a programme of publicly labelling and denigrating difference.
Consultation will become derisory, except where it is enshrined in law. Judges will again have to bring in the 3 strikes law, and youths will have no rights unless they are earning enough to make their own decisions before 25. Regimented ideas of "order" in learning, working and sport, may cause less innovation and creative problem solving.
I feel sorry for the young. Lip service will be paid to cultural difference, while pushing narrow religious beliefs, and cookie cutter success mantras. Maori renaissance will be nipped in the bud. Assimilation will be the norm.
Bloody sad, as we are coming out of covid well and laying sustainability shoots. imo.
There will be blood and tears of regret as people translate austerity and cut backs into job losses and community destruction all over again. imo
@ Patricia,
The public service will be cut back to such an extent that multiple community services will be axed or: they will hand these services over to private enterprises who will charge the 'customers', meaning the very people who need them will be unable to afford them. It'll be done by way of stealth… one step at a time so that the users will not realise what is happening until its too late.
And don't be surprised if there is another attempt to totally destroy the unions. Luxon is copying the Muldoon playbook and unfortunately the majority of the population either were not born or were too young to know what happened during that regime and the massive amount of strife it caused. Or they immigrated to NZ well after the regime came to an end.
yes I agree. Social Housing will be the first hit, along with Education and Health. All areas they can profit from.
Aye Patricia. Well summed. I am worried about all that. If they gain control…NZ will be transported back….to the actual bad old days. I had to work through all of the "employment contracts act" and its punitive ramifications.
Was a very..hard time. Those criticising Labour now…I wonder if they actually had to do any of that ?
Still ..keep up the Fight !
The majority of NZers have no idea what went on in the 70s and 80s. It shows time and again from the so-called media celebrities. They don't have a clue.
There was the Vietnam War protests which attracted a lot of state interventions. That was followed by the anti-apartheid protests which were even bigger and attracted even more attention by the state under the Muldoon administration. That culminated in the horrific violence during the 1981 Springbok tour. It came from all sides. How nobody was killed was a miracle.
Then we had the anti-nuclear protests which culminated in the Rainbow Warrior bombing. That incident occurred under the Lange government but had its genesis under the Muldoon regime.
The level of hatred and paranoia throughout that time was so high it split families and caused a lot of people to be subjected to serious harassment and intimidation.
An ugly time in danger of being repeated by a NAct government albeit for different reasons.
Edit: And that does not include the Erebus tragedy which saw some extremely dubious activity during its aftermath.
Yea Anne ! I know some of it…( I'm also a History reader ) but the lack of Interest in…and just general apathy is quite disturbing. This from people I try to engage on Politics with. Sadly..they would gain so much..by actually voting !
Also how the F have ACT gained so much ? (altho I still hope there will be a Green surge?)
re some of what you say…I did put a comment for you as well
Please take that as some acknowledgement…
The 90 day trials would almost certainly be reinstated – it's National policy, and ACT aren't going to disagree.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/496806/national-confirms-it-would-reinstate-90-day-trials
National are on record for wanting an extension of the retirement age to 67 – but not kicking in until 2040 or so (sorry don't have the exact date to hand).
ACT have proposed a gradual increment to that age – of 2 months per year. So would kick in progressively, over 12 years.
https://www.act.org.nz/time_to_face_reality_on_super_age
No one is talking about 70. And I'd see this as incredibly unlikely. All governments (and potential governments) have been very wary over waking the sleeping dragon on this one.
Australia is talking 70. They are now at 67. So creep is likely here. Last time National moved the age 5 years in 9 years, from 60 to 65.
The Nats in 2017….
Actual physical Workers ( I can relate..)
The Nats have already floated this. IMO ACT will drive it.
It's not floated – it's National Party policy.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/06/political-parties-remain-split-on-raising-retirement-age/
It's hardly 'creep' if it's an announced policy.
People know what they're voting for.
Act proposing Confidence without Supply?
Unstable government no thankyou.
The cookers and crooks party with the sign off on every cent National wants to spend.
Oh joy!
ACT is the strong form of a Shipley-Richardson combination. That’s what to vote against in October
… And Shipley is hardly a poster-girl for good governance given the courts ruling on Mainzeal.
… Last we (Standardistas) heard from Richardson she was feeling sorry for the poor and proposing a strategy to help them. Gulp…
Help them?
The poor will be able to help the government with an amazing new food product…..Soylent Green
Ha ha, yes, except the quaint movies that are screening at the clinic is Christopher Luxon on the campaign trail.
Luckily the Act candidates are dropping like flies 5 in two months. He will have to start painting out faces on the pink bus.
Convincing people that voting for a left group will
keep the jobs and training council, (even business wants this)
keep environmental progress towards sustainability and producing and manufacturing more of what we need, (New arcing furnace to recycle steel is a beginning)
and best of all strengthen communities with resilience in housing transport work and education. (Involve communities in their hubs)
Keeping more of Aotearoa New Zealand for our own lives, rather than enhancing the lives of the hugely rich, who might drop in and out as it pleases them (via helicopter.)
We live here, and don't want to end up tenants with little economic power and few choices.
This opposition Nat/Act who have demanded the Government be transparent, has covered up two reports on members actions by with holding a report and also minimising impacts. A. Uffindel and B Kruriger. Is that our future? Backroom decisions?
The current govts not exactly transparent and doing Nacts job for them.
http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2023/09/more-anti-protest-law-from-labour.html?m=1
We are discussing hypothetical situation here. We are very well on track to get a Labour-Green-TPM government supported by NZ First on cross benches. So don't sweat on a National-ACT governement. Freshwater Strategy and Talbot Mills polls show no majority for National-ACT.
MAD Magazine rang…crACT….they want Alfred' ..back..
What we will get if ACT gets into power.
Inflation at 18%
Home lending rates at 16% plus.
That's what we had under the Rogernome government, and ACT was founded by Rogernomes.
It will happen again and National will shrug its shoulders and pretend not to notice.
DV linked to Seymour's Housing policies here
10 September 2023 at 4:35 pm
The 'wide boys' will be back………hope Nats think it is better to go with NZF than ACT or put a tight lid on the recycled neo-lib trash that is seen in the ACT Housing policy. It reads like Prebble and Douglas ride again.
The 12 kilometre drive down the Raetihi Ohakune Road from Raetihi to Ohakune is a frankly depressing sight for anyone on the centre left. Every farmer's field bar one sports an ACT billboard seven in total. The exception is a National board. Rather than opining how awful ACT will be why not instead examine how we got here. I know most of the farmers they are my neighbours, none of them could tell you who Ayn Rand was and none of them are racists or poor stewards of their land. Some in fact even voted Labour as I did. What changed and induced the rush Ito the arms of ACT was the changes Labour brought about with, first freshwater legislation, and then the RMA and Three Waters.
If the freshwater legislation was a harbinger of things to come it proved to be the canary in the coal mine for most farmers. The change was in the winter grazing rules. To apply for a change of use for winter grazing you now had to effectively first seek the consent of your local iwi to make an application before approaching your regional authority. I attended the rollout that Horizons Regional Council undertook locally. Farmers at the meeting for the most part simply wanted to know the process. What happened in practice was essentially a clusterfuck. Iwi were unprepared and unsupported by central government. Which left farmers in some cases having their enquiries completely ignored or getting what can only be described as an impolite response. This part of the legislation has now been shelved for the time being but it set the scene for responses to Three Waters and the RMA reforms. If this is what is meant by co-governance most quite sensibly don't want a bar of it. Most people don't know ACT's economic policies from a bar of soap. But they do know that ACT supports rule based governance that is open transparent and democratic.